FIFA World Cup 2026: Turkey edge USA 3-2 with dramatic 90+8 winner

Turkey produced a dramatic comeback to defeat the United States 3-2 in their final Group D match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Friday, scoring deep into stoppage time and handing the hosts their first defeat of the tournament.

The United States made the perfect start, taking the lead after just 134 seconds through defender Auston Trusty. The strike was the second-fastest World Cup goal in US men's national team history and put the Americans in control early on.

Turkey responded swiftly as Arda Güler levelled the scores in the 10th minute. The momentum then swung decisively in Turkey's favour after a US goal was ruled out for offside. Moments later, Barış Alper Yılmaz found the net in the 31st minute to give Turkey a 2-1 lead heading into the break.

The United States hit back almost immediately after the restart. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter scored in the 49th minute to make it 2-2, setting up a tense finish between the two sides.

With both teams pushing for a winner, it was Turkey who had the final say. Defender Kaan Ayhan struck in the eighth minute of stoppage time (90+8) to complete a remarkable comeback and seal a 3-2 victory.

Pochettino fielded nine new starters for this low-stakes game, but Christian Pulisic entered in the 58th minute. He hadn't played since the first half of the Americans' opener due to a calf injury.

Despite the win, Turkey finished last in Group D, while the United States progressed to the Round of 32 despite suffering its first loss of the tournament.